Recognizing Plant Physiology authors: Macarena Mellado-Sánchez

Macarena Mellado-Sánchez, co-first author of Virus-mediated transient expression techniques enable gene function studies in black-grass

Current Position: PhD student in the group of Cristina Barrero-Sicilia at University of Hertfordshire and Plant Impact, United Kingdom

Education: Ph.D. in Plant Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and B.Sc. in Food Science at the University of Granada, Spain

Non-scientific Interests: music, art, nature, and traveling

Brief Bio: During my bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology in the University of Granada (Spain), I discovered a strong interest in plant sciences and biotechnology. Encouraged to start an international career, I worked as a Research Assistant in different laboratories in the United Kingdom. All the different experiences and people that I found along the way encouraged me to pursue a career in academia and to apply to PhD programs. Currently, my research is focused on the biochemical and genetic response of maize to cold temperatures during seed germination and emergence, and in understanding the signalling pathways involved in the chilling tolerance to develop new strategies to mitigate crop losses.